2026 Oxfordshire Virtual School Annual Conference

Education as the Anchor: Building Stability and Futures for Every Child

The Oxfordshire Virtual School Annual Conference returns on Thursday 8 October 2026 at Unipart House, Oxford for a day of high-quality professional learning, reflection and practical insight focused on improving outcomes for care-experienced children, children with a social worker and children in kinship care.

We are delighted to welcome Louise Bombèr, one of the UK's leading voices on attachment-aware and trauma-responsive practice, alongside Linda Culling, Senior His Majesty's Inspector (Schools), who will share Ofsted's perspective on inclusion and vulnerable learners.

The programme also includes contributions from children, young people and partners, offering valuable lived experience and practical strategies that delegates can take straight back into their settings.

Attendance by Designated Teachers (working with children from 9 months to 18 years) is strongly encouraged and expected wherever possible. For secondary schools, an additional colleague with responsibility for inclusion, attendance, behaviour, pastoral support or safeguarding is encouraged to attend alongside the Designated Teacher to help maximise the impact of the learning and embed practice more effectively across wider teams.

The conference is free to attend and represents an opportunity to hear from nationally recognised speakers, gain up-to-date insight into the evolving role of Virtual Schools, strengthen professional networks and explore practical approaches that improve educational stability and belonging for vulnerable children.

For more information and to book a place, visit the 2026 Oxfordshire Virtual School Annual Conference booking page.